CHAPTER 836: CHAPTER 836: THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO YOU

"Hmph, I am renowned in the Capital, while he is merely a minor celebrity. Competing with him is already beneath my stature. If I lose, my reputation will be ruined, while no matter the outcome for him, his fame remains untarnished. Even if he loses, he can boost his reputation using my name. Master Ji, do you think this is fair?" Shen Moce sneered arrogantly.

With this said, Ji Gaoxian was left with nothing to say. Indeed, even if Han Yan lost, his reputation would still soar. Competing with a master of such caliber as Shen Moce was an honor in itself and enough to prove his strength.

This competition was inherently unfair to Shen Moce, so even if he took a small advantage, it was understandable.

"What are you all talking about?" Seeing them all speak at once, Han Yan became somewhat curious.

"Let’s do this. First, let Lord Mu take a look. If he wishes to compete, let him, otherwise let’s forget about it, how about that?" Ji Gaoxian ultimately sided with Han Yan, not wanting to put her in a difficult situation.

"Well, considering we’ve spent a lifetime unable to comprehend its mysteries, let’s show it to Lord Mu. Perhaps Young Master Mu could decipher it and fulfill our wish," Weng Yixiao suggested.

Compared to Shen Moce and Pu Tiandi, he was laid-back and unambitious, caring little for fame and fortune, quick to anger but just as quick to calm down. Having seen Ji Gaoxian’s two hand formations learned from Mu Han Yan earlier, he was rather intrigued and not as opposed to Han Yan.

"Yixiao, you might be overthinking it," Shen Moce complained.

Weng Yixiao simply chuckled and didn’t mind.

"Very well, let’s show it to Young Master Mu first," Pu Tiandi pondered and said.

"Alright, let’s show it to him," Shen Moce said, taking out a carefully guarded bundle. He unwrapped layer after layer of brocade fabric...

After unwrapping seven or eight layers, a weathered and damaged Star Mechanism Plate appeared before Han Yan.

This Star Mechanism Plate was distinctly different from those displayed by Ji Gaoxian, not only in appearance but also in the star charts it held. Strangely, it gave Han Yan a sense of déjà vu.

Why do I feel this way, Han Yan wondered, puzzled as she gazed at the ancient Star Mechanism Plate.

"This... is... is..." Before Han Yan could make sense of it, the startled and confused voice of Star Illusion Thousand Machine sounded in her mind.

"What is it? Why are you stuttering?" Han Yan worried that he was too agitated today and might fall ill.

"Don’t interrupt, let me think, let me think!" Star Illusion Thousand Machine hastily replied.

This was the second time Han Yan saw him so flustered, the first being when she intended to attack Ye Yanran. Knowing this Star Mechanism Plate was undoubtedly extraordinary, Han Yan held her tongue to avoid disturbing his thoughts.

"I seem to remember something, but I can’t quite recall it. Forget it, you must acquire this item, absolutely!" Star Illusion Thousand Machine urged fervently.

"Didn’t you say you were all fine after a nap, how do you not remember again?" Han Yan asked curiously.

Seeing Star Illusion Thousand Machine even remembered his role as Guardian of the Gods, Han Yan thought his amnesia had completely healed, only to find him muddled once more.

"I recall past events, but this thing is too unique, as if there’s something else I haven’t remembered. But that can’t be right, I thought I recalled everything." Star Illusion Thousand Machine seemed confused as well, but quickly dismissed it, urging, "I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m sure this is very important for you. You must get it."

"Okay." Han Yan never doubted Star Illusion Thousand Machine’s words. Since he said it was important, it must be.

However, acquiring this Star Mechanism Plate from others might not be so easy. Seeing how Shen Moce wrapped it layer after layer, with other masters treating it so solemnly, it was clear it meant a lot to them. She couldn’t just seize it openly.

Taking it openly wasn’t feasible, and taking it secretly didn’t seem easy either. This wasn’t just any ordinary God-man; aside from their renowned Star Divination Technique, they were all experts above Sword Masters.

"What is this?" Han Yan didn’t seem too eager, but rather curiously asked Ji Gaoxian, while pondering internally.

"This is a Star Mechanism Plate acquired by the young master of our four masters, but it’s greatly different from ordinary Star Mechanism Plates. The four elders spent their lives trying, but were unable to decipher its mysteries. We grew up trying to comprehend it too, but to this day, not only has its mystery eluded us, even activating it is nearly impossible," Ji Gaoxian admitted with a bitter smile.

In terms of hierarchy, Ji Gaoxian’s master was a generation lower than the masters of Shen Moce and others, and Ji Gaoxian himself a generation lower than Shen Moce. But on the Holy Court Continent, power was what truly mattered, even among Star Divination Masters, so they interacted as equals.

"Young Master Mu, we are not trying to make things difficult for you. This competition is inherently unfair to Master Shen. Using this Star Mechanism Plate for the competition allows him to regain some advantage. However, in Star Divination, natural talent and comprehension are key. If you are truly skilled, you shouldn’t be afraid of losing a little advantage.

If you can surpass Master Shen on this Star Mechanism Plate, while I can’t speak for the others, I, Weng Yixiao, will willingly admit defeat and be at your service." Weng Yixiao remarked solemnly.

Han Yan nodded. Weng Yixiao’s candidness about even benefiting from the situation, while being reasonable, was quite forthright and left her with a favorable impression.

"If Young Master Mu has such ability, I have no objections either," Pu Tiandi followed suit.

Shen Moce didn’t say much, only casting a disdainful glance at Han Yan. He didn’t believe Han Yan could best him, knowing he and his fellow disciples, along with Weng Yixiao and his disciples, had collectively studied this Star Mechanism Plate for hundreds of years with little yield. He refused to believe Han Yan could surpass him in this regard.

Of course, if Han Yan could indeed surpass him, Shen Moce didn’t mind helping with Nanyan Commerce. However, since this was virtually impossible, he couldn’t even be bothered to mention it further.

"Very well then, let’s use this Star Mechanism Plate for the competition. However, I do have another idea..." At this, Han Yan paused softly.

"What idea?" Shen Moce asked impatiently.

"The two hand formations Master Ji demonstrated earlier might not impress Shen Moce, but I have some confidence. The deeper this set of hand formations goes, the more profound and mysterious it becomes. If the gentlemen are interested, regardless of winning or losing, I am willing to impart this set of hand formations in its entirety," Han Yan offered.